Our View: Protecting the neighborhood

THUMBS UP to the South End Neighborhood Association for its efforts to get an evacuation plan presented to residents in a two-block area of the abandoned King Philip Mill. The granite block complex, with no operating sprinklers, alarm systems, heat or electricity is “probably the most serious public safety issue in the city of Fall River,” according to state Rep. Alan Silvia.

THUMBS UP to the South End Neighborhood Association for its efforts to get an evacuation plan presented to residents in a two-block area of the abandoned King Philip Mill. The granite block complex, with no operating sprinklers, alarm systems, heat or electricity is “probably the most serious public safety issue in the city of Fall River,” according to state Rep. Alan Silvia.

At Thursday’s meeting, city Emergency Management Director Richard Aguiar presented the plan. The mill is the largest unprotected property in the city and has been the site of numerous arson fires. The city has also taken steps to protect the property from squatters, who pose a greater fire risk. It is always important to be proactive and prepared, so the session was an important step in the right direction.

THUMBS UP to the local churches that decided to get a bit creative with their Ash Wednesday observances. These days a lot of people “on the go” don’t have the time or inclination to go to church to have ashes placed on their foreheads in observance of the Christian religious holiday, the start of the Lenten season.

This year, Episcopal churches in the area were taking it to the streets in Fall River and Tiverton. “Ashes to Go” were offered in downtown Fall River to those from all walks of life — some of whom may not attend a church regularly, but still wished to receive the sacrament; others who simply found it more convenient. In Tiverton, meanwhile, hundreds of people received their ashes in a drive-through fashion at the entrance to Grinnell’s Beach. While some folks say that faith is not supposed to be a matter of convenience, perhaps some of these faithful-but-not-church-going folks will be inspired to become more faithful and attend services more regularly.

THUMBS UP to Somerset’s efforts to get its books reconciled, despite dysfunction in the treasurer’s office. With the help of an accounting firm, the late reconciliation is nearly complete. Let’s hope that the work can be completed in time for tax bills for the third and fourth quarters by April 1 to begin bringing in much-needed revenue to the town. While the good news was also accompanied by some bad news — that the state will likely temporarily withhold about $1 million in local aid — it is good to see the town getting back on track, along with less infighting — and more respect — emerging among town officials.

THUMBS DOWN to the unfortunate closure of Seton Academy at the end of the school year. While the former all-girls private Catholic school made a valiant effort to try to avoid its demise by opening its doors to boys, the challenges — including declining enrollment, funding difficulties and increasing debt — were too great to overcome. It’s sad to see another Catholic school, which were once so prevalent in the community, close its doors.